You Can Use Mini Candy Canes to Make Christmas Bows—Here’s How

This irresistible treat is all over TikTok: a red-and-white striped candy cane twisted into a charming bow. The candy cane bow looks so cute (and tastes delicious) when used to top Christmas cakes or fastened to gingerbread cookies. Kudos to baker Maria Gomez for this brilliant idea. Charming and sweet, the bows are also super easy to make with just one ingredient: mini candy canes. Here’s how to whip up a batch.

How do I make candy cane bows?

Preheat your toaster oven to the lowest heat setting. Start by unwrapping as many candy canes as you need. (Plan to make a few extras; the bows can snap when you shape them.) Line a baking pan with parchment.

Then, arrange the candy canes into bow shapes: Set two candy canes side by side, with the hooks facing each other and the bottoms overlapping. Snap off the hooked top of an additional candy cane and place the U-shaped piece at the “knot” of the bow. Don’t worry if they don’t look absolutely perfect—you’ll be able to adjust them after they’re heated.

Next, pop the pan into the toaster oven for about 10 minutes or until the candy canes are hot enough to be flexible. Working quickly, pinch the middle pieces of the bows to tighten them, and adjust the loops and bases so the bows look just right.

Once you’re happy with the bows, allow them to cool and harden, then enjoy.

@crateandbarrel Anyone else seeing the viral candy cane bows all over their feed? Our number one trick for nailing it is cooking them at the perfect temp and time. Too hot, and the candy canes will melt. Too cold, and they won’t bend. Enter: @geappliances Café™ Couture™ air fryer/toaster oven. You can control the temp and time with the dial, your voice or the app so you get the perfect bake. Cook the candy canes on the “warm” setting at 175° for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go! #Bow #BowDecor #HolidayTreats #ToasterOven ♬ Sweet – Liqwyd

This process is slightly fiddly, but also flexible. If the candy canes harden up, pop them back into the oven to re-soften. (These aren’t as kid-friendly to make as some of our cute Christmas sweets. Take care not to burn your fingers!)

Where do I use the candy cane bows?

These charming bows dress up virtually any dessert you can think of. They’re a natural for frosted desserts, especially cupcakes and cakes. Press them gently into the frosting, and you’re good to go. Any frosted Christmas cookies would be pretty with a bow on top, too.

If you’re baking a peppermint dessert, like classic peppermint bark, gild the lily with a double dose of minty cheer. Hang a candy bow on a gingerbread house, and park a line of candy cane reindeer outside the door. Turn this grasshopper ice cream pie into a holiday dessert with a ring of bows around the crust. You can even garnish store-bought confections, from plum pudding to fudge squares, with a few bright bows.